Colony of Natal: Pietermaritzburg Agricultural Society Award
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Form:
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Circular
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By:
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Arthur Fenwick, Birmingham (obv.) / E.G. Kerby, Pietermaritzburg (rev.) |
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Date:
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1899 |
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Ref:
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Laidlaw: 1169;
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Variations:
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| Size | Metal | Mass | Value |
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| 49.0 mm | Silver | 52.7 gm | $80 |
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Edge:
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Plain. Thickness at rim 4.8 mm. Stamped with the maker's mark: "A.F" and the Birmingham hallmarks for sterling silver and date letter: "y" for 1898-99.
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Obverse:
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Raised reeded rim. Pastoral scene with horse, cattle, pig, sheep, duck and chickens in a field. Bridge over stream with trees on left, trees on right, Cape Dutch farmhouse behind and hills in the distance. Signed: "A. FENWICK. FEC BIRM".
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Reverse:
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Raised reeded rim. Across: "AWARDED TO / (space for engraving) / FOR / (space for engraving)". This medal engraved: "MRS. GROSSE. / HOP ALE." Legend: "PIETERMARITZBURG AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY". Signed in small letters at the foot: "KERBY & CO. MARITZBURG".
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Notes:
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Comes in a fitted black case lined on the inside with blue silk and blue velvet. On the inside of the lid in gilt: "E.G. KERBY & CO. / MARITZBURG."
E.G. Kerby & Co. was a firm of Watchmakers, Jewellers and Opticians with premises at 191 Church Street, Pietermaritzburg. The company was originally named Kerby & Huber but by 1888 was trading as E.G. Kerby & Co.
The Pietermaritzburg Agricultural Society was formed in 1851 and on 23 December of that year hosted its first show. Shows were held annually and in 1889 (the year of this medal) the Society acquired its own show grounds south of Pietermaritzburg. Shows ceased for the duration of the Boer War. After peace in 1902, its name was changed to the Agricultural Society of Natal and enlarged show grounds were built at the present location 1.5 km north of the City centre. In 1904 the Society was granted Royal status by King Edward VII. Medals with the same design but reflecting the new name were issued (Laidlaw 0618) Apart from 1906, the year of the Natal Rebellion, the Royal Show has been held annually ever since. At present the Royal Show is held over 10 days from late May to early June with around 220 000 visitors.
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